The following free programs will take place at the Maud Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd. Katy, during late July:

Book Sale

The Friends of the Maud Marks Library will hold their June book sale on Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There is a large selection of hardback fiction and nonfiction, as well as children’s books and paperbacks and other hidden gems. The library will also be hosting a Friends Members-Only preview on Friday, July 26 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. All items sell for rock bottom prices.

Afternoon Adventures

On Mondays, elementary school aged children are welcome to the library for special programs. Tickets will be given out 30 minutes before each performance. Priority seating is for children ages 5-11; little kids and parents will be allowed in as space permits.

· Monday, July 22 at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.: Incredible Animals. Experience a variety of animals at this show.

· Monday, July 29 at 1:30 p.m.: Silambam Story Time. A treasure trove of stories from Indian mythology and folk culture, presented in a unique narrative style that incorporates facial and gestural storytelling (abhinaya)--the hallmark of Indian classical dance tradition.

Chess Wars

Tweens, teens, and school-aged children are invited to drop in for Chess Wars as we battle it out on the chessboard in random pairings. Challenge a friend or meet someone new! Join other chess aficionados on Thursdays July 25, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Teen Time Craft – Make a Memory Board

Want to add a personalized touch to your room? A memory board is a stylish bulletin board for you to display special keepsakes like ticket stubs, performance programs, artwork, or photos. It’s a showcase of you, for you – and you are awesome! Snacks and supplies provided, Tuesday, July 23, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Salt Grass Trail Ride and Marks Family History

Join us on Saturday, July 20, at 10 a.m. for an interesting historical discussion. Meet local author, Ray Viator, who will discuss his book, All Trails Leads to Houston: Riding to the Rodeo. He will discuss the history of LH7 Ranch and the important role that the Marks family played in starting the Houston Rodeo and the Salt Grass Trail Ride. He will display the photos from the book, including several provided by the Marks family as well as photos from the Valley Lodge Trail Ride that passes through our community each year on its way to downtown Houston and the Houston Rodeo Parade to kick off the start of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Nailed It! Cupcake Edition

Are baking shows your favorite? Ever wish you could express your artistic side through delicious cakes? We’ll watch a video on how to decorate an assortment of flower cupcakes and attempt to recreate those beauties ourselves. All materials will be provided and very DIY. Join us on Monday, July 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and explore your inner cupcake designer instincts…or not? Registration is required. Please do not register if you have any allergies or need food substitutions.

"Patty Cake Infant Time" - Infant Storytime

Join us for an interactive early literacy experience for infants and their caretakers on Wednesdays at 10:15 or 11:15 a.m. This program geared to 3-17 months features nursery rhymes, songs, books, and fingerplays.

"Totally Toddler Time" - Toddler Storytime

Toddler Time provides a fun early literacy experience for toddlers aged 18–35 months on Thursdays at 10:15 or 11:15 a.m. Toddlers participate through songs, finger plays, shared reading, parachute fun and group activities.

For more information, call 832-927-7860 or email hannah.blanton@hcpl.net.